Annual Walkathons as a Community Education Strategy for the Asian American/Pacific Islander Populations in Alameda County, California

Abstract

We present a case study chronicling the planning and implementation of a community-wide walkathon strategy that was culturally and linguistically adapted for Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese Americans in Alameda County, CA. In 1994, Asian Health Services received funding from the California Department of Health Services to implement a comprehensive Walk for Health program to help reduce cardiovascular disease and stroke in Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Staff and an AAPI community-based coalition planned and successfully implemented the first-ever walkathon specifically for the AAPI communities in Alameda County. This first Asian Walk for Health resulted in the participation of more than 300 AAPIs. Key elements that were instrumental in ensuring the diversity and success of the event included community participation, bilingual/bicultural staff, culturally tailored publicity, and programs for the specific AAPI communities. The second annual walkathon expanded its outreach to other AAPI communities and ethnic AAPI media, resulting in greater participation. The primary responsibility for organizing and implementing the third annual walkathon was transferred to another organization as part of an attempt to institutionalize the event in the AAPI community. However, the walkathon represented an important first step in introducing physical activity to this diverse community. This case study provides insight into the complexities of planning and implementing a physical activity event as a community education strategy.